Traveling to Europe has never been easier since the introduction of the Schengen visa. This visa allows you to travel to more than 20 countries. This visa has increased tourist traffic all around Europe. So what are you waiting for?
The best time to start your application is 6 months before the trip. Before you start your application, these are the 2 things you must have made a
- A valid passport
- Funds to support your travel
These are the list of documents you need when you apply for a Schengen visa.
a. 2 Recent photographs- 35mm in width and 45 mm in height
b. Proof of residence in K.S.A – Copy of residence permit with a validity of at least a minimum of three months from the travel date
c. Cover letter – should state the reason for the visit, countries you’re visiting the duration of your visit. Enclose invitation if any.
d. Proof of accommodation and travel reservations and itinerary – Copies of round tickets from Bahrain to the Schengen country, your hotel/hostel bookings, and description of the places you’re going to visit.
e. Bank statements - Confirmation that you have enough financial means to cover the whole trip
f. Travel Insurance -Travel insurance is required in case of any medical emergency, accidents or illness that is valid in all Schengen states.
g. Employment status- Letter from the employer stating the purpose of visit, copy of your employment contract, income tax return. If you are a student, you would require a letter from your no objection letter from your university and a copy of your admit card. If you’re a business person, you need to present a copy of the business license, tax return.
The processing of the application takes 10 to15 days at the embassy/consulate /VFS. So to find your respective embassy depends on your port of entry in the Schengen area or your duration of stay in the Schengen country if you’re visiting more than 2 countries.
This is just the first step and always take a second opinion. A visa/ travel consultant can advise you on the procedures that are required to follow and assist in follow-up and create an error-free application.
